Lubrication is also important. Some lubricants will stiffen in cold temperatures. There are some newer lubricants that are designed for low temperatures, but be sure what those low temperatures are. So-called "low-temperature" or cold-weather lubricants might not be adequate for the most severe ice-fishing conditions. Some ice-anglers simply clean out all lubricants and add powdered graphite or simply let the reels wear normally, which will not break down parts as quickly as they will when fishing in open water.

Newer lines made especially for ice-fishing have qualities that make them less likely to get stiff in cold weather. There have been big improvements made over the years, especially in the monofilament class. For example, panfish anglers might want to check out one of the newer 3-pound-test "ice lines."

Braided lines made especially for ice-fishing are best suited to tip-ups because handling them is easier, especially with gloves on. Everything goes slower in cold weather. Fish take more time to examine the bait and are likely to be line-shy, so wise anglers add a low-visibility leader to braided lines.

Pack-ability is an important consideration when choosing tip-ups. If you cannot fit all of your tip-ups in a plastic bucket, they are probably too bulky for today's mobile ice-fisherman.

If you fish in extremely cold weather, tip-ups that cover the holes will be easier to maintain than other types because they minimize freezing. When freezing is not a serious problem, lightweight, less bulky tip-ups might be more effective.

Quality is more important than style. The trigger mechanism that trips the flag should be sensitive, but not so light that gusts of wind trip it. Magnetic pop-ups have an advantage in this regard. But when snow or slush gets inside the tubes, they are worthless until they are cleaned out.

There is no perfect tip-up. Each style has advantages and disadvantages. New models come out every year.

The under-ice water temperature in most lakes is quite uniform from top to bottom during winter. Fish often suspend or gather in schools under the ice. When this happens, you can save a lot of time by using sonar.

Anglers who do not use sonar gear generally never know about the fish that swim under their holes unless they hit, and because fish generally will not move far up or down the water column to hit a bait, you will not get hits unless you are very near the correct depth.

Sonar units made specifically for ice-fishing feature floating transducers. What's old is new again. Many serious ice-anglers prefer the old flasher style because flashers show what is under the hole right now, whereas chart-type units present a picture of what has passed under the hole. The only part of a chart that shows the immediate current situation is the leading edge of the screen.

The problem with flashers is that prices have gone up considerably since sales volume has dropped. They have now become specialized tools.

There is no need to carry a lantern and a heater if you fish inside a shelter. A propane lantern provides plenty of heat to keep you warm inside a shelter and will still warm your fingers if you do not use a shelter. Be sure your shelter is properly ventilated.

An ice-fishing sled is the last item to choose but certainly not an afterthought. It should be the last item chosen because it must carry all of the other items. The ice sled can also be made into a folding shelter.

Newer materials and innovative designs have made ice sleds increasingly efficient. They are lighter than ever before. A one-person sled-shelter combo can carry all of the gear you need and do it with much less effort than ever before.

Look for a sled that can be dragged with minimal effort over either bare ice or deep snow. It should have a wide, flat bottom with at least two runners. The wide, flat bottom will keep it sliding over powdery snow. The runners make it slide very easily over ice.

If you travel very light, there are sleds that are just large enough for a plastic bucket or two and a folding windbreak. A windbreak will not hold any heat, but just breaking the wind is often enough.

With a good ice sled-shelter, a power auger and a proper selection of gear, an ice-angler can be far more effective.